Review

Heads + Tails

4 out of 5 stars
A bar with two personalities, both tailored to a West Hampstead crowd.
  • Bars and pubs | Cocktail bars
  • price 2 of 4
  • West Hampstead
  • Recommended
  1. Heads + Tails
    Heads + Tails
  2. Andy Parsons
    Andy Parsons
  3. Andy Parsons
    Andy Parsons
  4. Andy Parsons
    Andy Parsons
  5. Andy Parsons
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  6. Andy Parsons
    Andy Parsons
  7. Andy Parsons
    Andy Parsons
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Heads + Tails

Time Out says

A bartender was wearing a tropical shirt and sailor hat in Heads + Tails, despite it only being a Wednesday night. It seems the party has arrived in West Hampstead, as this spot was busy with punters of all ages who were putting to bed any persistent rumours that this is a sleepy part of town. The bar gets its name from its two clear concepts – the upstairs (Heads) is a light space serving low-alcohol drinks, and the basement (Tails) is a barely lit spot for cocktails made from dark spirits.

While the idea isn’t totally original (just look at bar Swift in the West End), the execution means this spot just opposite the tube is surprisingly gorgeous. Particularly upstairs, where furnishings include gold-trimmed, marble-effect surfaces, turquoise seating and verdant greenery spilling from pots and planters. Plus, there’s a pretty decked garden out the back to suit those daytime-friendly drinks.

A sweet Italian bartender made us feel at home at the bar in Heads, answering our questions in detail, giving thoughtful suggestions and letting me order from the downstairs menu when I was in need of something stronger. But despite my predilection for a drink containing three different whiskies (it had been a long day and the wonderfully balanced Diamond in the Rough took the edge off), I left without any guilt for taking my pregnant friend bar-reviewing. Her drinks were some of the best. The Everlong was an effervescent joy made from alcohol-free aperitif Everleaf, mixed with elderflower cordial and lemon tonic. And a Pink Lemonade had just a whisper of rosé vermouth but felt like a full-on cocktail treat. There’s something for everyone: Heads or Tails, clear-headed or full sailor hat.

Heads + Tails says
We're a local neighbourhood bar in the heart of West Hampstead. We have two unique bars to suit your mood and we do some pretty fantastic drinks. Well, we think so anyway.

Our snack menu is small and nibbly, so don't expect a 3-course meal. Unless the first course is gin and the second is tonic.

Oh, and we have a gorgeous garden upstairs and lovely little secret (not secret) garden downstairs.

If you’re well-organised and want to book a table in advance that’s great. If you just want to pop in as the mood takes you that’s great too. We’re always welcoming and our staff will gladly help you choose from the menu if you want some suggestions.

Details

Address
175 West End Lane
London
NW6 2LH
Transport:
Tube: West Hampstead
Opening hours:
Monday - Tuesday | 4pm - 1am Wednesday - Thursday | 4pm - 2am Friday | 4pm - 3am Saturday | 10am - 3am Sunday | 10am - 1am
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